taken 7 years ago, 3 km from Rafford, Moray, Scotland
Altyre beaters on the edge
The first drive of today is Situation Wood and here the beaters have ended their task. Hand clapping, flag cracking and dogs are used to coax the birds over the guns from this high bank of the valley. The job of the beater is the most physical demanding of all the disciplines of a shoot and perhaps the most crucial to the success of the day.
Extraordinary! I've never seen anything like this, therefore I cannot offer an explanation as requested.
I think this picture would be a worthy entry to the 'Last Word' in New Scientist.